Fuel dispenser having integrated control electronics

ABSTRACT

A method of operating a fuel dispenser having a plurality of fuel handling components and a user interface having at least one peripheral device for input of sensitive payment information. One step of the method involves providing control electronics for the fuel dispenser, the control electronics including a multi-core processor having at least two processor cores and an on-board memory located on a common integrated circuit chip. According to another step, pump hydraulic software is executed on a first processor core of the at least two processor cores via a real-time operating system, the pump hydraulic software being in operative communication with at least one of the fuel handling components. Peripheral control software is executed on a second processor core of the at least two processor cores operating via a non-real time operating system separately and asynchronously from the first processor core. The peripheral control software is operative to provide payment instructions via the user interface and receive sensitive payment information via the at least one peripheral device. For example, the pump hydraulic software and the peripheral control software may communicate with each other via the on-board memory of the multi-core processor.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is based upon and claims priority to provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/313,781, filed Mar. 27, 2016, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to service stations at whichfuel is dispensed. More particularly, the present invention relates to afuel dispenser having integrated control electronics.

BACKGROUND

Retail fueling environments usually include a plurality of fueldispensers located in a forecourt area outside of a convenience storebuilding. Typically, the fuel dispensers will each be equipped withpay-at-the-pump capability by which the customer can perform the fuelingtransaction using a user interface on the respective fuel dispenser. Forexample, the customer can present a credit or debit card using a cardreader installed on the fuel dispenser's user interface to pay for thefuel without entering the store. Internally, the dispensers typicallycontain flow meters, pulsers, control electronics, valves, manifolds,and internal piping. Many of these components are subject to regulatoryrequirements to maintain a high degree of accuracy.

Various additional systems may also be provided in the fuel dispensingenvironment, some external and some internal to the fuel dispenser. Forexample, the convenience store will generally be equipped with apoint-of-sale (POS) system to handle certain functions relating totransactions that occur in the retail fueling environment. Transactionsare recorded using the POS for inventory reconciliation and otherrecordkeeping purposes. In addition, the POS may allow the station'smanager the ability to set options associated with the POS or theservice station, such as the appearance of receipts issued by thestations' dispensers.

Traditionally, the POS was also configured to handle payment processingand included forecourt control functionality. More recently, somefueling environments have been deployed in which payment processing andforecourt control is handled by a separate device, which may be referredto as “enhanced dispenser hub.” Such a device is shown and described inU.S. Pat. No. 8,438,064, incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety for all purposes. In addition, there is a desire to providevideo and audio at the fuel dispenser for advertising or entertainmentpurposes. In this regard, a separate media source may interact with thefuel dispenser's display(s), as described in U.S. Pub. No. 20090265638,incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.Generally speaking, separate computers are provided to handle thedisparate functions of dispenser control, forecourt systems, media,automation, and connectivity.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN ASPECTS

The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoingconsiderations, and others, of prior art construction and methods. Inthis regard, certain exemplary and nonlimiting aspects of the presentinvention will now be described. These aspects are intended to providesome context for certain principles associated with the presentinvention, but are not intended to be defining of the full scope of thepresent invention.

Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a method ofoperating a fuel dispenser having a plurality of fuel handlingcomponents and a user interface having at least one peripheral devicefor input of sensitive payment information. One step of the methodinvolves providing control electronics for the fuel dispenser, thecontrol electronics including a multi-core processor having at least twoprocessor cores and an on-board memory located on a common integratedcircuit chip. According to another step, pump hydraulic software isexecuted on a first processor core of the at least two processor coresvia a real-time operating system, the pump hydraulic software being inoperative communication with at least one of the fuel handlingcomponents. Peripheral control software is executed on a secondprocessor core of the at least two processor cores operating via anon-real time operating system separately and asynchronously from thefirst processor core. The peripheral control software is operative toprovide payment instructions via the user interface and receivesensitive payment information via the at least one peripheral device.For example, the pump hydraulic software and the peripheral controlsoftware may communicate with each other via the on-board memory of themulti-core processor.

According to some preferred methodology, the pump hydraulic software maybe operative to control operation of an electrically-controlled valve ofthe fuel dispenser. Moreover, the pump hydraulic software may comprisemeter flow measurement software to calculate a running total of volumeand price of fuel dispensed during a dispensing event. The pumphydraulic software may preferably be identified by digital fingerprintbefore executing via the real-time operating system.

According to some preferred methodology, the peripheral control softwareexports the sensitive payment information to obtain approval of adispensing event by a host server. For example, the at least oneperipheral device may include at least one of a card reader and a PINpad.

In some cases, the multi-core processor may have at least threeprocessor cores. Media software may be executed on a third processorcore of the at least three processor cores operating via a secondnon-real time operating system separately and asynchronously from thefirst processor core and the second processor core, the media softwarebeing operative to provide at least one of advertising content andmultimedia content to a display of the user interface. The non-real timeoperating system and the second non-real time operating system aredifferent types of operating systems in some cases. In other situations,the non-real time operating system and the second non-real timeoperating system may be different instances of the same type ofoperating system (e.g., the Linux operating system).

Different systems and methods of the present invention utilize variouscombinations of the disclosed elements and method steps as supported bythe overall disclosure herein. Thus, combinations of elements other thanthose discussed above may be claimed. Moreover, the accompanyingdrawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendeddrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a retail fueling environmentof the prior art.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation showing additional details ofthe enhanced dispenser hub of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation showing additional details of afuel dispenser shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary fuel dispenser inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of internal components of thefuel dispenser of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of integrated fuel dispensercontrol electronics in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention and various peripherals.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the control electronics ofFIG. 6 showing certain additional details.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the control electronics ofFIG. 6 showing certain additional details.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elementsof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodimentsof the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation ofthe invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variationscan be made in the present invention without departing from the scope orspirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

Some embodiments of the present invention may be particularly suitablefor use with a fuel dispenser in a retail service station environment,and the below discussion will describe some preferred embodiments inthat context. However, those of skill in the art will understand thatthe present invention is not so limited. In fact, it is contemplatedthat embodiments of the present invention may be used with any fluiddispensing environment and with other fluid dispensers. For example,embodiments of the present invention may also be used with dieselexhaust fluid (DEF) dispensers, compressed natural gas (CNG) dispensers,and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquid natural gas (LNG)applications, among others.

Examples of retail fueling environments, fuel dispensers, and userinterfaces for fuel dispensers are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,204(entitled “Fuel Dispensing System”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,259 (entitled“Intelligent Fueling”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,851 (entitled “MultimediaVideo/Graphics in Fuel Dispensers”), U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,629 (entitled“Internet Capable Browser Dispenser Architecture”), U.S. Pat. No.5,689,071 (entitled “Wide Range, High Accuracy Flow Meter”), U.S. Pat.No. 6,935,191 (entitled “Fuel Dispenser Fuel Flow Meter Device, Systemand Method”), U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,877 (entitled “Fuel Dispensing Systemfor Cash Customers”), and U.S. published patent application nos.20090048710 (entitled “Fuel Dispenser”), 20110185319 (entitled “VirtualPIN Pad for Fuel Payment Systems”), and 20130103190 (entitled “FuelDispenser User Interface System Architecture”). The entire disclosure ofeach of the foregoing patents and applications is hereby incorporated byreference as if set forth verbatim herein for all purposes.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary retail fueling environment of the priorart which may be modified in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention. One or more fuel dispensers 10 are located in the forecourtregion of the retail fueling environment. The fuel dispensers areoperative to dispense fuel supplied from one or more underground storagetanks (USTs) into a customer's vehicle. Typically, the fuel dispenserswill be provided with “pay-at-the-pump” capability, allowing thecustomer to authorize and pay for the fueling transaction at thedispenser itself. The retail fueling environment also includes apoint-of-sale (POS) system 12 that handles in-store sales activities, aswell as various inventory and configuration functions.

The retail fueling environment of FIG. 1 utilizes an enhanced dispenserhub (EDH) 14 as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,438,064. EDH 14includes an electronic payment server that allows processing of paymentcard information. In particular, credit (or debit) card information fromthe fuel dispensers 10 and any in-store card readers is fed to EDH 14,which seeks approval from a remote host processing system 16 via asuitable off-site communication link 18.

Referring now to FIG. 2, EDH 14 includes one or more processors andassociated memory running a forecourt module 20 and a payment module 22.Forecourt module 20 is adapted to control the operation of deviceslocated in the retail fueling environment's forecourt. In this example,forecourt module 20 comprises several modules, including fuel/pumpcontrol module 24, card reader module 26, security module 28, car washmodule 30, and tank monitor module 32. The fuel/pump control module 24handles operation of dispensers 10, while the car wash module 30 handlesoperation of any on-site car washes. The tank monitor module 32 handlesoperation of any tank monitors connected to the underground storagetanks of the retail fueling environment. The card reader module 26handles operation of the card readers of the retail fueling environment,such as the card readers of dispensers 10. The security module 28handles encryption of the sensitive information transmitted by thecomponents of the retail fueling environment. For instance, payment carddata received by the various card readers in the retail fuelingenvironment may be handled by the card reader module 26 and encrypted bythe security module 28.

Payment module 22 performs validation of the payment card informationreceived by the various card readers in the retail fueling environment.In particular, payment module 22 handles communications to and from thehost processing system 16. As shown, payment module 22 communicates witha PIN pad module 34 when information from a PIN pad is necessary toprocess the transaction.

Referring now to FIG. 3, additional details regarding the variouscomponents of fuel dispenser 10 can be more easily explained. As shown,fuel dispenser 10 includes a control system 36 having an associatedmemory 38. In addition, dispenser 10 may also comprise a CRIND (cardreader in dispenser) module 40 and associated memory 42. Those ofordinary skill in the art are familiar with CRIND units used in fueldispensers, but additional background information is provided in U.S.Pat. No. 4,967,366, the entirety of which is incorporated by referenceherein for all purposes. As shown, control system 36 and CRIND module 40are in operative communication with EDH 14 via an interface 44.

Control system 36 includes the hardware and software necessary tocontrol the hydraulic components and functions of dispenser 10. Those ofordinary skill in the art are familiar with the operation of thehydraulics 46 of dispenser 10. In general, however, fuel from USTs ispumped through a piping network into an inlet pipe. Fuel being dispensedpasses though a flow meter, which is responsive to flow rate or volume.A pulser is employed to generate a signal in response to fuel flowthough the meter and communicate this information to control system 36.Control system 36 may also provide control signaling to a valve that maybe opened and closed to permit or not permit dispensing of fuel.

Meter flow measurements from the pulser are collected by control system36, which utilizes a real-time operating system. Control system 36 alsotypically performs calculations such as cost associated with a fueldispensing transaction. As a dispensing transaction progresses, fuel isthen delivered to a hose and through a nozzle into the customer'svehicle. Dispenser 10 includes a nozzle boot (i.e., a cradle for thenozzle), which may be used to hold and retain the nozzle when not inuse. The nozzle boot may include a mechanical or electronic switch incommunication with control system 36 to indicate when the nozzle hasbeen removed for a fuel dispensing request and when the nozzle has beenreplaced, signifying the end of a fueling event. Control system 36 maythus determine whether a transaction has been initiated or completed.

Control system 36 may further be operative to control one or moredisplays, such as displays 48 a and 48 b provided on respective sides offuel dispenser 10. For example, a transaction price total display maypresent customers with the price for fuel that is dispensed. Atransaction gallon total display may be used to present customers withthe measurement of fuel dispensed in units of gallons or liters.Finally, price per unit (PPU) displays may be provided to show the priceper unit of fuel dispensed in either gallons or liters, depending on theprogramming of dispenser 10.

CRIND module 40 includes the hardware and software necessary to supportpayment processing and peripheral interfaces at dispenser 10. In thisregard, CRIND module 40 may be in operative communication with severalinput devices. For example, a PIN pad 50 is typically used for entry ofa PIN if the customer is using a debit card for payment of fuel or othergoods or services. CRIND module 40 may also be in operativecommunication with a card reader 52 for accepting credit, debit, orother magnetic stripe cards for payment. Additionally, card reader 52may accept loyalty or program-specific cards as is well known. Further,CRIND module 40 may be in operative communication with other payment ortransactional devices such as a receipt printer 54.

One or more display(s) 56 may be used to display information, such astransaction-related prompts and advertising, to the customer. Again, twosuch displays would typically be provided on a two-sided dispenser. Thecustomer may use soft keys to respond to information requests presentedto the user via a display 56. In some embodiments, however, a touchscreen may be used for a display 56. In this case, display 56 may beconfigured to display a virtual keypad for receiving payment data suchas a PIN of a debit card or the billing postal (zip) code of a creditcard, for instance. A display 56 may also be used to receive a selectionfrom the customer regarding the displayed information.

Audio/video electronics 58 are adapted to interface with the CRINDmodule 40 and/or an auxiliary audio/video source to provide advertising,merchandising, and multimedia presentations to a customer in addition tobasic transaction functions. The graphical user interface provided bythe dispenser may allow customers to purchase goods and services otherthan fuel at the dispenser. For example, the customer may purchase a carwash and/or order food from the store while fueling a vehicle.

Referring again to FIG. 1, POS 12 includes a server having a processor60 and associated memory 61. In the present example, processor 60executes several software modules including manager workstation module62 and cashier workstation module 64. When executed, manager workstationmodule 62 displays a GUI on manager workstation 66 that allows theowner, operator, or manager of the fueling station to set options forthe fueling environment. Manager workstation module 66 is also adaptedto provide point-of-sale (“POS”) capabilities, including the ability toconduct transactions for items offered for sale by the fueling station.Toward this end, manager workstation 66 includes a suitable display,such as a touchscreen display. As one skilled in art will appreciate,the server may be incorporated into the hardware of manager workstation66.

Similarly, cashier workstation module 64 provides the station's cashier,clerk, or employee the means necessary to effect a transaction for oneor more items or services offered by the fueling station. Cashierworkstation module 64 communicates with the hardware of cashierworkstation 68, which includes its own display.

A suitable router 70 may be associated with POS 12 for internetcommunication. Fuel dispensers 10 and POS 12 may thus have access tovarious resources (via internet link 72) that may be provided remotelyfrom the cloud 74.

In operation, a user positions a vehicle adjacent to one of dispensers10 and uses the dispenser to refuel the vehicle. For payment, the userinserts and removes a payment card from card reader 52. Card reader 52reads the information on the payment card and transmits the informationto forecourt module 20 via card reader module 26. The forecourt module20 provides the payment information to network payment module 22, whichcontacts host processing system 16 operated by the financial institutionassociated with the user's payment card. The financial institutioneither validates or denies the transaction and transmits such a responseto network payment module 22. The information received from thefinancial institution's host computer system is transmitted from networkpayment module 22 back to forecourt module 20 to handle appropriately.This may include transmitting to dispenser 10 a request that the userprovide another payment card if the transaction is denied or printing areceipt if authorized.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a fuel dispenser 100 in accordance withan aspect of the present invention will be described. One skilled in theart will recognize that many of aspects of fuel dispenser 100 areconventional, and similar to aspects described above in relation to theprior art. However, fuel dispenser 100 utilizes improved controlelectronics that integrate many disparate functions onto a singlesemiconductor chip for efficiency and cost reduction.

As shown in FIG. 4, fuel dispenser 100 includes a housing 102 with aflexible fuel hose 104 extending therefrom. Fuel hose 104 terminates ina manually-operated nozzle 106 adapted to be inserted into a fill neckof a vehicle's fuel tank. Nozzle 106 includes a fuel valve (typically amanual valve). Various fuel handling components, such as valves andmeters, are also located inside of housing 102. These fuel handlingcomponents allow fuel to be received from underground piping anddelivered through hose 104 and nozzle 106 to a vehicle's tank, as iswell understood.

Fuel dispenser 100 has a customer interface 108. Customer interface 108may include an information display 110 relating to an ongoing fuelingtransaction that includes the amount of fuel dispensed and the price ofthe dispensed fuel. Further, customer interface 108 may include adisplay 112 that provides instructions to the customer regarding thefueling transaction. Display 112 may also provide advertising,merchandising, and multimedia presentations to a customer, and may allowthe customer to purchase goods and services other than fuel at thedispenser.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of internal fuel flow components offuel dispenser 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.In general, fuel may travel from an underground storage tank (UST) viamain fuel piping 114, which may be a double-walled pipe having secondarycontainment as is well known, to fuel dispenser 100 and nozzle 106 fordelivery. More specifically, a submersible turbine pump (STP) associatedwith the UST is used to pump fuel to the fuel dispenser 100. However,some fuel dispensers may be self-contained, meaning fuel is drawn to thefuel dispenser 100 by a pump unit positioned within housing 102.

Main fuel piping 114 passes into housing 102 through a shear valve 116.As is well known, shear valve 116 is designed to close the fuel flowpath in the event of an impact to fuel dispenser 100. Shear valve 116contains an internal fuel flow path to carry fuel from main fuel piping114 to internal fuel piping 118.

After fuel exits the outlet of shear valve 116 and enters into internalfuel piping 118, it flows toward a flow control valve 120 positionedupstream of a flow meter 122. Alternatively, valve 120 may be positioneddownstream of the flow meter 122. In one embodiment, valve 120 may be aproportional solenoid controlled valve, such as described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,954,080, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

Flow control valve 122 is under control of a control system 124. Controlsystem 124 typically controls aspects of fuel dispenser 100, such asvalves, displays, and the like. For example, control system 124instructs flow control valve 120 to open (e.g., how much to open) when afueling transaction is authorized. In addition, control system 124 maybe in electronic communication with a POS (or EDH) located at thefueling site. The POS communicates with control system 124 to controlauthorization of fueling transactions and other conventional activities.

A vapor barrier 126 delimits hydraulics compartment 128 of fueldispenser 100, and control system 124 is located in electronicscompartment 129 above vapor barrier 126. Fluid handling components, suchas flow meter 122, are located in hydraulics compartment 128. In thisregard, flow meter 122 may be any suitable flow meter known to those ofskill in the art, including positive displacement, inferential, andCoriolis mass flow meters, among others. Meter 122 typically compriseselectronics 130 that communicates information representative of the flowrate or volume to control system 124. For example, electronics 130 mayinclude a pulser or other suitable displacement sensor as known to thoseskilled in the art. In this manner, control system 124 can update thetotal gallons (or liters) dispensed and the price of the fuel dispensedon information display 110.

As fuel leaves flow meter 122 it enters a flow switch 132, whichpreferably comprises a one-way check valve that prevents rearward flowthrough fuel dispenser 100. Flow switch 132 provides a flow switchcommunication signal to control system 124 when fuel is flowing throughflow meter 122. The flow switch communication signal indicates tocontrol system 124 that fuel is actually flowing in the fuel deliverypath and that subsequent signals from flow meter 122 are due to actualfuel flow. Fuel from flow switch 132 exits through internal fuel piping134 to fuel hose 104 and nozzle 106 for delivery to the customer'svehicle.

A blend manifold may also be provided downstream of flow switch 132. Theblend manifold receives fuels of varying octane levels from the variousUSTs and ensures that fuel of the octane level selected by the customeris delivered. In addition, fuel dispenser 100 may in some embodimentscomprise a vapor recovery system to recover fuel vapors through nozzle106 and hose 104 to return to the UST. An example of a vapor recoveryassist equipped fuel dispenser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,577,incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

Additional details of control electronics 124 will now be described withreference to FIGS. 6-8. As shown, control electronics 124 utilizes amulti-core CPU chip 136 (at least two cores) which integrates on asingle chip several disparate functions otherwise provided by separatemicroprocessors. The separate cores of CPU chip 136 are operatedasynchronously using at least two different operating systems. Forexample, one core may be used to control independently the dispenser'shydraulics in real-time, while one or more other cores can run media asan application, handle cloud connectivity, or perform the functions ofEDH 14. Moreover, metrological applications, such as the pump hydraulicssoftware, are strictly controlled by Weights and Measures (W/M)authorities. In this case, the software's digital fingerprint can betaken, and then locked down. By assigning hydraulic control to adedicated core, other functions can be performed using the remainingcores without having to revisit and recertify W/M each time a newfeature or feature mix is offered.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, CPU chip 136 in this case has a totalof four cores 138 a-d on the same semiconductor die. Typically, eachsuch core will have an associated cache memory 140 a-d. In addition, ashared memory 142 having both RAM and ROM components also resides onchip 136. Any of the four cores 138 a-d can communicate with any otherof the four cores 138 a-d, as necessary or desirable, via memory 142.Chip 136 further includes suitable input/output (I/O) 144 to allowcommunication between the cores 138 a-d and off-chip components.

In the illustrated embodiment, for example, chip 136 communicates withcomponents located on the respective sides of fuel dispenser 100, suchas displays 146 a-b (which may include both price/volume andadvertising/media displays), card readers 148 a-b, PIN pads 150 a-b, andreceipt printers 152 a-b. Chip 136 may receive flow or volumeinformation from one or more pulsers 154, and may control flow valves156. A switch or other suitable mechanism 158 indicates that a pumphandle 158 has been removed from or returned to its boot. ForecourtHardware Interface Modules (HIMS) 160 in this embodiment provide aservice physical layer interface PCB between pump and payment kiosk(typically a separate box serving as protocol translator between pumpand payment kiosk).

In some preferred embodiments, fuel dispenser 100 may be equipped with apacket sniffer 162 to detect and potentially modify incoming andoutgoing legacy signals. An example of such a sniffer is shown anddescribed in U.S. Pub. No. 2015/0105920, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety for all purposes. The sniffer may operate viasoftware running on one of cores 138 a-b. Communications with the cloud164 and POS 166 may also be accomplished using software running on oneof cores 138 a-d.

FIG. 7 illustrates chip 136 another way so that certain aspects can bebetter explained. As can be seen, core 138 a (“Core 1”) is designated bythe configuration file 168 as the “supervisor” which initiates operationof the other cores. Configuration file 168 also defines how the variousperipheral components may be assigned to the respective cores. As shown,core 138 a, along with core 138 b (“Core 2”), utilize separate instancesof a first operating system (“OS1”), such as the Linux operating system.Thus, cores 138 a-b may run Linux-environment processes. Core 138 c(“Core 3”), in this example has a second operating system (“OS2”), suchas the Android operating system. As a result, it is available forvarious Android applications as desired, for example, by the operator ofthe fueling environment. In this regard, attention is drawn to U.S. Pub.No. 20140089174, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Core138 d (“Core 4”) operates a third operating system (“OS2”), in this casea real-time operating system (RTOS). Core 138 d thus handles thedispenser's hydraulic functions.

FIG. 8 provides specific examples of different functions that may beassigned to cores 138 a-d in accordance with the present invention. Asshown, the CRIND is implemented in core 138 a, whereas forecourt controlis implemented in core 138 b. A media processor can reside on core 138 cfor showing high-definition multimedia presentations on the displays offuel dispenser 100. The dispenser processor (hydraulic control) isimplemented in 138 d as described above. In practice, one core maysupport multiple applications (and others left reserved); the onlylimitations being common operating system for those applications sharinga given core, and up to four unique operating systems permissible in thecase of a quad-core CPU.

In this example, communications between applications occurs throughshared memory. Alternatively, each application may communicate by IPaddress, as if separate physical devices, even though physically common.

In a preferred embodiment CPU chip 136 may be the i.MX6 quad-coreprocessor available from NXP Semiconductor. In addition to the fourcores, this chip has ancillary processing units, such as for videorendering and encryption, that can be used as necessary or desiredduring operation of the respective cores.

Moreover, while some embodiments may utilize a RTOS running in one corefor real-time (more precisely, timing-precise) elements, and Linux orthe like for supervisory and other functions, embodiments arecontemplated in which all real-time (timing-precise) elements aremigrated off CPU chip 136, and multiple, but now similar operatingsystems, such as Linux, run asynchronously-separately-independently onthe respective cores.

For example, the i.MX6 chip is an “A” (Applications class only, e.g. A5,A9, etc.) that lacks by market segment nature “M” (Microcontrollerclass, e.g. M4) machine-interface elements commonly expected within aM4, such as A/D conversion, D/A conversion, etc. To deal with thisabsence of machine-interface elements within an A-class part, the i.MX6chip may need to be used in conjunction with a separate PICmicrocontroller to handle A/D; and furthermore in this case, also valvePWM and general purpose I/O such as STP/motor control.

Specifically, one could continue to extend this offloading of tasksassociated with an M-class device until all real-time requirements areeffectively fully offloaded, such as proportional valve modulation(including constant-current loop), timely pulser data capture, andtime-constrained/as-dictated metrological. Nevertheless, remaininghowever would be an appreciable amount of pump controller elements,albeit those non-real-time, but far in excess for what could beprocessed within a PIC-class device.

Moreover, moving non-time critical elements to Linux (or a similaroperating system) may be highly desirable; hence the use of suchoperating systems but which are asynchronous-independent. Importantly,any metrological elements that require regulatorycertifications/approvals and sealing (i.e. digital signature) can stillbe “sandboxed” on one core, and the remaining core(s) left free.

While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention have beendescribed above, it should be understood that any and all equivalentrealizations of the present invention are included within the scope andspirit thereof. Thus, the embodiments depicted are presented by way ofexample only and are not intended as limitations upon the presentinvention as modifications can be made. Therefore, it is contemplatedthat any and all such embodiments are included in the present inventionas may fall within the scope and spirit thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a fuel dispenser having aplurality of fuel handling components and a user interface having atleast one peripheral device for input of sensitive payment information,said method comprising steps of: providing control electronics for saidfuel dispenser, said control electronics including a multi-coreprocessor having at least two processor cores and an on-board memorylocated on a common integrated circuit chip; executing pump hydraulicsoftware on a first processor core of said at least two processor coresvia a real-time operating system, said pump hydraulic software being inoperative communication with at least one of said fuel handlingcomponents; executing peripheral control software on a second processorcore of said at least two processor cores operating via a non-real timeoperating system separately and asynchronously from said first processorcore, said peripheral control software operative to provide paymentinstructions via the user interface and receive sensitive paymentinformation via said at least one peripheral device.
 2. A method ofoperating a fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pumphydraulic software and said peripheral control software communicate witheach other via the on-board memory of the multi-core processor.
 3. Amethod of controlling a fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 2, whereinsaid pump hydraulic software is operative to control operation of anelectrically-controlled valve of said fuel dispenser.
 4. A method ofcontrolling a fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pumphydraulic software comprises meter flow measurement software tocalculate a running total of volume and price of fuel dispensed during adispensing event.
 5. A method of controlling a fuel dispenser as setforth in claim 4, wherein said pump hydraulic software is identified bydigital fingerprint before executing via said real-time operatingsystem.
 6. A method of controlling a fuel dispenser as set forth inclaim 1, wherein said peripheral control software exports the sensitivepayment information to obtain approval of a dispensing event by a hostserver.
 7. A method of controlling a fuel dispenser as set forth inclaim 6, wherein said at least one peripheral device includes at leastone of a card reader and a PIN pad.
 8. A method of controlling a fueldispenser as set forth in claim 6, wherein said at least one peripheraldevice includes both of a card reader and a PIN pad.
 9. A method ofcontrolling a fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidmulti-core processor has at least three processor cores.
 10. A method ofcontrolling a fuel dispenser as set forth in claim 9, further comprisingexecuting media software on a third processor core of said at leastthree processor cores operating via a second non-real time operatingsystem separately and asynchronously from said first processor core andsaid second processor core, said media software operative to provide atleast one of advertising content and multimedia content to a display ofsaid user interface.
 11. A method of controlling a fuel dispenser as setforth in claim 10, wherein said non-real time operating system and saidsecond non-real time operating system are different types of operatingsystems.
 12. A method of controlling a fuel dispenser as set forth inclaim 10, wherein said non-real time operating system and said secondnon-real time operating system are different instances of the same typeof operating system.
 13. A method of controlling a fuel dispenser as setforth in claim 12, wherein said same type of operating system is theLinux operating system.